The African Union (AU) has officially suspended Madagascar from its membership following a military intervention that removed President Andry Rajoelina after his impeachment.
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, confirmed to AFP on Wednesday that the suspension was enacted immediately after Madagascar’s highest court endorsed Colonel Michael Randrianirina as the new head of state, intensifying the country’s ongoing political instability.
Colonel Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit, took control after the parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina on Tuesday.
He has committed to managing a transitional government for no longer than two years, with the goal of organizing democratic elections at the end of this period.
The United Nations swiftly condemned the takeover, labeling it an “unconstitutional seizure of power.”
This abrupt leadership change represents the most severe political crisis Madagascar has faced in recent years.
As one of the poorest nations in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar now joins a list of former French colonies-including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea-that have experienced military coups since 2020.
Rajoelina, who initially came to power through a military-backed coup in 2009 and was controversially re-elected in 2023, reportedly fled the country amid escalating protests.
A statement issued by Randrianirina and the newly formed “Presidential Council for the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar” announced that he will be inaugurated as transitional president on Friday.
In a televised speech, the colonel dismissed allegations of a coup, asserting that the military’s intervention was necessary to prevent national collapse. “This was not a coup; it was an act of responsibility,” he declared.
Randrianirina also pledged to hold elections within 18 to 24 months and confirmed ongoing negotiations to appoint a prime minister and establish a transitional government.
Previously, Randrianirina had been a vocal critic of Rajoelina’s administration and was imprisoned in 2023 on charges of plotting against the government.
His sudden ascension has raised concerns among international observers, prompting immediate denunciations from both the AU and the UN.
Despite the political unrest, the capital city Antananarivo remained relatively peaceful on Wednesday. Citizens gathered at the historic Place du 13 Mai square-a common site for protests-where violent clashes had erupted just days before.
The youth-led Gen Z movement, which initiated demonstrations in late September over severe shortages of water and electricity, expressed guarded hope.
“We are prepared for change,” the group stated on Facebook, highlighting Randrianirina’s openness to dialogue.
“Although we are apprehensive about what lies ahead, we are cherishing this initial victory that has rekindled our hope,” said 26-year-old Fenitra Razafindramanga, captain of the national rugby team.
In the northern port city of Antsiranana, local entrepreneur Muriella shared her relief at Rajoelina’s departure.
“It feels as though we have been freed from captivity,” she told AFP, adding, “This should serve as a lesson to his successor: avoid repeating the same errors.”
Meanwhile, Rajoelina’s office condemned the court’s decision that upheld his impeachment, branding it illegal and unconstitutional.
“This ruling, marred by numerous procedural and substantive flaws, is unlawful, irregular, and unconstitutional,” the statement declared, warning that it could further destabilize the nation.
Prior to his removal, Rajoelina had vowed not to step down, addressing the nation from an undisclosed location earlier in the week.
Reports suggest that France, Madagascar’s former colonial power, assisted in his departure. He stated he was now in a “secure location” to safeguard his life.